FORCE RETURNS TO SITE OF FIRST NO. 1 QUALIFIER PERFORMANCE

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – It’s that time again; time for the “Big Go” placed advantageously in one of the largest motorsport areas in the country. From Aug. 28-Sept. 2, the fan-favorite Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis will host the 59th annual Chevrolet Performance NHRA U.S. Nationals, the final event in the regular season before the 2013 Countdown to the Championship begins.

Last year in Indianapolis, Courtney Force picked up her first No. 1 qualifier in the Funny Car category with an unbeatable 4.049 ET. On race day, she beat Jon Capps before losing to Johnny Gray in the second round. The Traxxas Ford Mustang driver who became the 2012 Auto Club of Southern California “Rookie of the Year,” and finished No. 5 for the 2012 season, also raced to top speed of the meet at 317.27 mph.

“I’m very excited coming into Indy. It’s one of the biggest races of the season,” said Force. “I grew up watching my dad race at the U.S. Nationals and it’s the one race that every driver and every fan is most excited about.”

For the second year in a row, Force will be a guest on “Indy Style” along with her sister and 2013 candidate for “Rookie of the Year,” Brittany Force. The duo will appear on the morning TV show on Wednesday, Aug. 28. The show airs at 9:00 AM Eastern Time on WISH-TV channel 8, a CBS affiliate.

On Thursday, the 25-year old will go live on-air at 10:00 AM Eastern Time with the nationally recognized Bob and Tom Show, a mix of talk, comedy and news.

“The week leading up to Indy is always extremely busy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s part of the whole “Big Go” experience. We have several appearances and interviews lined up, plus the big Indy Fan Fest downtown on Wednesday. It’s all a lot of fun,” said Force.

Two weeks ago in Brainerd, Minn., Force and her Traxxas Ford Mustang team led by Ron Douglas clinched into the 2013 Countdown to the Championship and set the stage for Force’s sophomore year performance.

“I’m locked into the Countdown to the Championship so coming into this race, we’re really just trying to get some laps in and move up in points. Every driver wants to get a win here.  It would be a huge accomplishment for our team to get a win here. Our team is going to go out and do the best we can, like we always have. We tested for a few days and I think we’ve got a pretty good race car. We’re going to have some tough competition, but we’re definitely looking forward to it and we’re up for the fight,” said Force.

The NHRA Mello Yello series event will include the Traxxas Nitro Shootout for Top Fuel and Funny Car categories. Last year, Force’s teammate and father won the bonus race.

“I’m excited that we have two opportunities for a win in Indy and we’re hoping to get both; the Traxxas Nitro Shootout and the U.S. Nationals. My dad has won at Indy and so has my sister (Ashley Fore Hood). I hope to be next in line,” said Force.